Belay Loop

Abstract

A load bearing belay loop includes a load bearing inner structural ring that is formed by winding a single filament in many windings to form a coil, and an outer sheath made from a sheet material that is tubular in configuration and that is rolled axially to cover the ring. The outer sheath is not load bearing. The inner ring may be formed by winding a single filament in many windings to form a coil.

1 . A load bearing belay loop, comprising:
 a load bearing inner structural ring; and   an outer sheath made from a sheet material that is tubular in configuration and that is rolled axially to cover the inner ring, wherein the outer sheath is not load bearing.   
     
     
         2 . A belay loop as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the inner ring is constructed to meet the 15 kN (3,372 pounds) minimum strength requirement of the climbing standard (EN 12277), and the outer sheath alone does not meet this functional requirement. 
     
     
         3 . A belay loop as set forth in  claim 1  that forms part of a climbing harness that includes a waist belt and two leg loops connected by a leg loop cross piece. 
     
     
         4 . A belay loop as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the inner structural ring is formed by winding a single filament in many windings to form a coil. 
     
     
         5 . A belay loop as set forth in  claim 4  wherein the single filament is made from any one of a number of strong but pliant materials including but not limited to nylon, liquid crystal polymer, polyester, and/or polyethylene fibers. 
     
     
         6 . A belay loop as set forth in  claim 4  wherein the inner ring is formed as a coil having about 50 to 200 windings of filamentary material. 
     
     
         7 . A belay loop as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the tubular sheath is rolled one wrap onto the inner ring then secured closed around the inner ring, then the tubular sheath is rolled at least one additional wrap onto the inner ring and then secured closed around the inner ring and around the first wrap. 
     
     
         8 . A belay loop as set forth in  claim 1  having a smooth outer surface with no ridges or lap joints around the circumference of the belay loop. 
     
     
         9 . A belay loop as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the load bearing capacity before elongation of the belay loop is substantially the same as the load bearing capacity before elongation of the inner ring alone. 
     
     
         10 . A load bearing belay loop as set forth in  claim 1  wherein:
 the inner ring is constructed to meet the 15 kN (3,372 pounds) minimum strength requirement of the climbing standard EN 12277, and the outer sheath alone does not meet this functional requirement; 
 wherein the belay loop that forms part of a climbing harness that includes a waist belt and two leg loops connected by a leg loop cross piece; 
 wherein the single filament is made from any one of a number of strong but pliant materials including but not limited to nylon, liquid crystal polymer, polyester, and/or polyethylene fibers, and the inner ring is formed as a coil having about 50 to 200 windings of filamentary material; 
 wherein the tubular sheath is rolled one wrap onto the inner ring then secured closed around the inner ring, then the tubular sheath is rolled at least one additional wrap onto the inner ring and then secured closed around the inner ring and around the first wrap; and 
 the belay loop has a smooth outer surface with no ridges or lap joints around the circumference of the belay loop. 
 
     
     
         11 . A belay loop as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the inner structural ring is formed by winding multiple filaments into a single braided cord. 
     
     
         12 . A belay loop as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the inner structural ring is formed by weaving bundles of filament together to create a thin webbing. 
     
     
         13 . A method of making a load bearing belay loop, the method comprising the steps of:
 making a load bearing inner structural ring by winding a filament in many windings to form a coil;   providing an outer sheath that is made from a sheet material and that is tubular in configuration extending axially between a first end and a second end, wherein the outer sheath is not load bearing;   covering the inner ring by rolling the tubular sheath axially onto the inner ring; and   securing the sheath closed to contain the inner ring;   
     
     
         14 . A method as set forth in  claim 13  wherein the outer sheath is seamless. 
     
     
         15 . A method as set forth in  claim 14  wherein the step of covering the inner ring includes the steps of:
 rolling the tubular sheath one wrap onto the inner ring; 
 securing the one wrap of tubular sheath closed around the inner ring; 
 rolling the tubular sheath at least one additional wrap onto the inner ring; and 
 securing the at least one additional wrap of tubular sheath closed around the inner ring and around the first wrap. 
 
     
     
         16 . A method as set forth in  claim 15  wherein the securing steps comprise sewing. 
     
     
         17 . A method as set forth in  claim 16  wherein the outer sheath is made from a knitted or woven fabric.